New spatial strategy would benefit everyone

A new report into rush-hour congestion by the government think-tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research, has been welcomed by Transport 1650. It recommends taking forward a new spatial strategy focussing on the need to protect the environment, whilst still allowing people to get to work and school.

"We looked at people's travel patterns to and from their place of work," said Hugh Jass, one of the researchers behind the study. "And what we found was that for a given workplace, the locations from which people travel tend to be dispersed extensively, generally within a 30 mile radius. Some people travel even further, with a minority managing up to a 100 mile commute."

"This large dispersal pattern is not conducive to sustainable transport," Hugh continued. "Our report's recommendations therefore build on the government's workplace parking policy by introducing a new Home Parking Restriction, which will mean that on all new housing estates, only 60% of properties will be allowed to have a driveway or garage; and for the properties that do have one, it will be restricted to accommodate one car only."

"However, we must acknowledge that restricting workplace parking has not lead to a reduction in car use - it has merely meant that employees double-park, thus costing the economy a significant drop in productivity while people stop work to move their cars," Hugh said. "Therefore, to go hand in hand with the Home Parking Restriction, we are recommending a new Employment Regulation that companies may only take on a new worker if they live within 1 mile of an existing employee, and agree to car-share."

The report suggests further solutions for staff who live close to their workplace. "Following on from the success of the Walking Buses to get children safely to school, we are proposing that the same approach be instigated for workplaces. The company director will be required to walk around town in the morning, collecting employees who live within 2 miles of the workplace as he goes. These Walking Working Buses will allow staff to avoid using their cars, and instead be treated to the bodily odours and witticisms of their fellow employees for the commute to work."

Steve, Transport 1650's spokesman, has welcomed the report. "This is a very significant study, suggesting real solutions to rush-hour congestion. However, we believe that it doesn't go far enough, as it still suggests using cars as a viable option to get people to work. What we really need is for the government to restrict home buyers by only allowing them to buy a house within walking distance of their workplace."